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Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF to hold first post-Mugabe congress

Zimbabwe

Zanu-PF is set to hold its first post-Mugabe congress this week, a way for Zimbabwe’s new strongman to further assert his authority within the historic party. Robert Mugabe Square, not far from the magistrates’ court in Harare has been chosen as the venue for the over 6,000 delegates.

According to some analysts, new Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnagagwa will be inducted party leader, in view of the elections in 2018. In addition all the pro-Mugabe or the G40 in reference to the supporters of former First Lady Grace Mugabe will all be pushed to the exit. A purge criticized by members of the G 40 who call for union during this congress.

The new head of state will take advantage of this party conference to appoint his two vice-presidents. According to some sources, Mnangagwa is under pressure to reward Constantino Chiwenga and others who remained loyal and pivotal in his eventual takeover from Robert Mugabe, following a military intervention last month. For the second vice president, the League of Women of the party want one of their own to be appointed to the position.

It should be noted that before the story turned, this congress was intended to consolidate Robert Mugabe’s position as Zanu PF’s candidate for the elections and Grace Mugabe as a possible vice president. A wish aborted since the veterans and the army took over the party.

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